Monday, September 9, 2013

The Romance of Design

Image by Matthew Millman

As designers we never have enough books or interior design magazines in our library. No matter how knowledgeable we are there is always something to learn and to be inspired from, that is why today I suggest you’ll take a look at this beautiful new book by famous interior designer Suzanne Tucker.“Suzanne Tucker, a perennial on the AD100 Top Designers of the World, presents the best of the West Coast, featuring opulent Napa Valley estates, glamorous penthouses on San Francisco Bay, and art-filled apartments. All are united by an attention to detail where the designer's hand is evident in every tile, molding, railing and finish; Suzanne Tucker redefines the notion of the custom home. She interprets her clients' dreams of home and translates them into lavishly decorated rooms, perfectly tailored to their interests, passions and personalities. She marries each of her designs to the particular tastes and sensibilities of her clients while always honoring classic design principles. The result is exquisitely polished interiors that blend timeless, Old World elegance with modern luxury and spirit”.

image by Suzanne Tucker

As Suzanne Tucker says in the introduction to the book: “The process of designing a house and ultimately delivering a home is an intensely personal experience for all involved. It is a journey inevitably filled with lessons in patience, growth, frustration, satisfaction, surprises, and finally, great joy. There is also a certain romance along the way. As we spend time in the building and designing of a house, there is an inevitable engagement. We are seduced. And we fall in love with our homes (…)”.
Have you noticed that she says “designing a house” and then “delivering a home”? … how true that as designers we want to create the best home for our clients, not just a house.
I want to share some images with you, only a few of so many interesting ones you’ll find in the book, due to be published October 15, 2013 by Monacelli Press.

Image by Matthew Millman

A superb seventeenth-century inlaid Italian commode and Michael Taylor–designed “frog” chair. The sconce on the wall is also a favorite of mine.

Image by Pieter Estersohn

In the library four “casino” chairs upholstered in chartreuse calfskin make the room sunny every day, a seventeenth-century sandstone Burmese Buddha head creates a focal point.

The shades of blues, creams, and tobaccos on this exquisite onyx panel brings a luxurious touch to the master bath.

Image by Matthew Millman

A shaded terrace is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast on a sunny day.

Image by Edward Addeo

Louis XVI-style caned-back chairs and a contemporary Lucite table beneath the Swedish crystal chandelier, splendid mix of styles. I love this Tucker’s words in the book: “I always say that things don’t need to match, but theydefinitely need to marry (…) Perfect pairings may not always be immediately obvious. The key is finding the common thread that stitches the dissimilar together”.

Image by Michal Venera

A marble lamp with a printed parchment shade, a Han planter, a Tang horse and rider, his bronzed baby shoe, and a turn-of-the-twentieth-century Loewy and Puiseux lunar heliogravure. Mastering the art of creating still life.

Image by Michal Venera

Passion, Vision, and Collecting “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” —Jonathan Swift

I found this an inspiring book on many levels for designers and for interior design lovers. Looking forward to receive my hard copy!

If you need help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home, because a well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

Dear Albarosa,Vera just forwarded to me your blogpost on my new book. Thank you so much, that just made my day!Your support is truly appreciated, and I am proud to be part of your beautifully produced blog.

"The Italian Way"

This blog is about interior design and art and I will present an Italian version of them, with new trends, timeless decor, iconic pieces, design ideas. At times I will be just musing about "a certain Italian way of doing things". Follow me on this virtual journey to my country.

The South of Italy and particularly the island of Sicily , a microcosm of cultures, is close to my heart. Most of my life I read e...

Beware

If you need my help to enjoy your home more, please send me an email. It will be an investment in happiness at home.A well designed house is always a good part of a great life and a beautiful room will make you happy every time you walk in!

BRILLANTE DESIGN TRAVEL blog

Brillante fans say

Having grown up in Austria I love your European perspective blended with North-American flair. Also, your photos are gorgeous! I look forward to learning more.

Claudia Juestel, Interior designer.

Albarosa, you are the best museum guide I have ever known. You have so much knowledge about the arts that it was mind boggling. I am certainly more educated because of our time together and for that I also thank you. Ciao, Tobi.

Tobi Fairley, Interior designer and blogger.

I am really enjoying your blog entries. I am so glad you are bringing such a refreshing side to the blogosphere.

Ivan Meade, Interior designer, artist and blogger.

I like the way your blog treats me to wonderful surprises I might otherwise never see. I love your taste - a wonderful poet mix of grand and humble, elegant and unpredictable and sadly it is something we don't get to see often in North America where "purchasing power" often outstrips taste. Albarosa, there is always so much to learn from your blog. Brava.

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Opaline Blog

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Michelle Morelan, Interior designer, artist and blogger.

Albarosa, you are the arbiter of Italian taste and style. Kudos to you and thanks for sharing your fabulous aesthetic!